Three Tips for Changing Careers Within Your Company

Making a lateral move inside an organization can be challenging. If leaders see you as an “IT guy” it can be hard to convince them you are a “marketing guy.”

Here are three ways to combat pigeon-holing and convince the higher ups that you’re ready for a new challenge:

Make it a win-win.
Position your proposal in terms of the value it will bring the company. For example, explain that you have underutilized skills or capacity that could be used in a different division or for an important task.

Cover your current position.
Offer to train your successor or to continue to do the job part-time.

Think of others.
Focusing on what you stand to gain will get you nowhere. Emphasize the learning and development opportunities the move will create, such as for the junior person who can take on some of your previous responsibilities.